Focus Express Mail Pharmacy Pioneers National Health Education Program: PEDS FOR PREVENTION
In April 2008, Focus Express Mail Pharmacy pioneered a national health education program, Peds for Prevention™ that kicked-off at Haverford School District Elementary Schools (Pennsylvania) in conjunction with a statewide initiative, the Child Wellness Plan.
Focus’ initial goal of the Peds for Prevention™ program was to provide grant monies to school systems to sustain necessary health education programs to keep students active. Focus committed approximately $25,000 in pedometers, educational materials, programs and grant monies to Haverford. To support the Child Wellness Plan initiative, each elementary school participated in a fun and interactive walking program called “Stepping Out” sponsored by Focus and the Haverford Township School District Education Foundation. Students, teachers, school administration and staff were all invited to help increase awareness of health issues, the risks of obesity, and diabetes while raising money for the Haverford School District Education Foundation with every step they take. “The Peds for Prevention™ program that we implemented at these five elementary schools will hopefully serve as a catalyst for national improvements in the quality of health education for young children,” said Joel Shpigel, R.Ph., CEO and Co-Founder of Focus Express Mail Pharmacy. “Stepping Out” participants received a free pedometer provided by Focus Express Mail Pharmacy to measure every step taken for four weeks in April. On the last day of the program (Saturday, April 26) an award ceremony was held where students walked their final 2,000 steps together at the Haverford Middle School Track and Field. To celebrate each student’s accomplishments, students were recognized for their contribution to the Foundation and most importantly their participation. Medals were awarded to the top “steppers” in each grade level. A award plaque was provided to the school averaging the most steps. A grand prize was awarded to each student, principal and teacher/school district employee who had taken the overall most steps. Focus Express Mail Pharmacy also awarded $3,000 in grant monies for health and wellness initiatives to the top three performing schools.
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